SEATTLE — A Poulsbo man who was serving as special agent with Coast Guard Investigative Service in Seattle is suspected of sexually assaulting a co-worker’s girlfriend at a party.

Kitsap News Group is not identifying the special agent because he had not been charged as of press time. But the U.S. Coast Guard reported he has been relieved of duty pending the outcome of the investigation.

He was arrested on Feb. 17 by sheriff’s deputies in Clark County, where the crime allegedly occurred, and he was booked into jail there. He posted $20,000 bail Feb. 20.

Kitsap News Group reached out to the suspect for comment Feb. 21. He did not return a voice-mail message by press time.

Citing the probable cause statement filed in Clark County Superior Court, the Associated Press reported that the suspect had attended a party at a co-worker’s home in Vancouver. At about 3 a.m., investigators stated, “he climbed into his co-worker’s bed and sexually assaulted the co-worker’s girlfriend while the co-worker slept.”

According to Coast Guard Lt. Dana Warr, the suspect is a civilian who was assigned as special agent in charge of the Coast Guard’s Northwest region.

“The Coast Guard is assisting local law enforcement to ensure a thorough and complete investigation,” Warr reported. “Our priority is to ensure the reported victim is provided the highest level of support possible and privacy is protected.”

The suspect is retaining his own legal counsel, according to Clark County Superior Court.

— Jacob Moore is a reporter for Kitsap News Group. Contact him at jmoore@soundpublishing.com